FAU CB D'Joun Smith named Conference USA defensive player of the week

FAU's leading cornerback and top receiver recap the win over USF while previewing the season's first home game

FAU's leading cornerback and top receiver recap the win over USF while previewing the season's first home game

Dieter Kurtenbach, Sun Sentinel

FAU cornerback D'Joun Smith called his performance Saturday at USF the best game he's ever played.

The junior from Miami put on quite a show in the Owls' 28-10 win, as he broke up a pass, had a sack-fumble that was recovered by FAU and led to a touchdown, and returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown of his own.

Conference USA was certainly impressed. They named Smith the league's Defensive Player of the Week Monday.

Smith is the first-ever Owl to be a Conference USA player of the week, though this is FAU's first season in the league. The recognition is the first for an FAU player since September 6, 2010, when wide receiver Lestar Jean was named the Sun Belt Conference's Offensive Player of the Week and Michael Lockley was the conference's Special Teams Player of the Week.

"Yeah. That would provably the best game I played, making two turnovers and helping the team get a victory," Smith said of his performance. "It's going to start a lot more of a snowball effect."

Smith is is tied for the national lead in passes defended (pass break-ups plus interceptions). He has 7 through three games.